In a time where we are learning to keep up to social distancing standards through living and working completely virtually, it can be daunting to even think about continuing to build your network. With industries such as specialty chemicals and animal health being tight niche in nature, building an online presence is the perfect way to continue to network these days. Personal branding is the first step in doing just that.
What is a Personal Brand?
Self-promotion that allows you to differentiate yourself from other professionals using your skills, experiences and expertise. Branding is not just for companies!
Why create a personal brand?
If you have ever Googled someone, you know that it’s pretty easy nowadays to dig up information on anyone. Creating a personal brand gives you the ability to create your own narrative and define who you are. Do you want to be seen as an Executive leader within specialty chemicals? Let your personal brand reflect that. Not only will you be more searchable, but others will look to you for industry expertise.
How to create your brand
- Ask yourself these questions:
- Who are you?
- What makes you unique or different from other professionals?
- What is your vision and goal for your brand?
- Who is your target audience?
- What makes your credible and how can you prove that?
- Do a self-audit
- Google yourself and check to see if you come up and what comes up
- Eliminate anything that could be damaging to your brand
- Content is KING
- Creating content is key to increasing visibility. Write blogs, info graphs, share industry knowledge, updates, presentations, videos, etc.
- Create content that helps and offers value to others: keep them coming back
- Completely fill out your profiles: Utilize LinkedIn as well as other platforms
- Keywords are your best friend; sprinkle them throughout your profiles
- Include your location
- Build your audience and engage with them
- Share your knowledge and expertise
- Follow/connect, comment, like, share their posts and respond to their engagements
Take advantage this time by creating your personal brand and connecting with others in the specialty chemical and animal health industries. Don’t be afraid to brag on yourself for being the expert you are with valuable knowledge and experiences to share. To put the icing on your brand, show your personality and be you and your personal brand will be rolling in no time.